The Philippine Navy has denied that retired Marine serviceman Orly Guteza is under its protection, contradicting earlier claims made by former Congressman Mike Defensor.

Defensor earlier said Guteza, who once served as a security consultant for ex-Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, was “under Marine protection” and “not hiding” from authorities following concerns raised by Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson over Guteza’s absence from his registered address.

In a statement, Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez clarified that Guteza is no longer part of the military organization, as reported by RH Edniel Parrosa

“The Philippine Navy emphasizes that Mr. Orly Regala Guteza has been retired from the Philippine Marine Corps since June 30, 2020,” Martinez said.

Defensor earlier claimed that Guteza was placed under Marine protection after suspicious individuals were seen loitering near him. He also said one of those allegedly tailing Guteza had already been apprehended, citing Marine records.

Guteza previously appeared before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, where he testified that he personally delivered bags of cash to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Congressman Zaldy Co.